A National Consultation is set for January 16, 2025, at Suva Grammar High School Hall, where diverse stakeholders will gather to deliberate the potential repeal of the controversial ‘No Repeat Policy,’ also known as Automatic Progression. Fijian Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro emphasized the significance of this discussion, intending to gather insights from parents, teachers, student representatives, and various educational bodies in order to arrive at equitable policy outcomes.

Radrodro pointed out that the No Repeat Policy has inadvertently fostered a culture of complacency among students, referring to the automatic promotion system that allows students to progress through grades irrespective of their academic performance. He articulated the concern that this policy has demotivated students, as evidenced by alarming Year Eight exam statistics showing that nearly half of the 19,350 registered students failed to achieve passing scores, raising a red flag about the need for educational reform.

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable quality education, the consultation aims to evaluate the effects of the No Repeat Policy on students, highlighting both its positive and negative ramifications. An important objective of the proposed repeal is to ensure that students meet the necessary competencies for each grade before advancing to the next, thus reinforcing educational standards.

Minister Radrodro expressed hope that this consultation could lead to more personalized and effective education pathways which cater to the diverse learning needs of students. The discussion holds promise, echoing sentiments from political leaders like Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who have championed for more rigorous educational standards to ensure all students are prepared for future academic and life engagements.

The National Consultation represents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to voice their perspectives, potentially leading to reforms that support student achievement and engagement in Fiji. As the nation moves toward reevaluating its educational policies, there is optimism that such initiatives will contribute significantly to improving the quality of education and ultimately benefit students across the country.